Creamy Banana Split Sundae Recipe

Playful Banana Split Sundae Recipe: A Sweet Twist on Classic

Cool summer days demand a decadent banana split sundae recipe that turns ordinary dessert into pure bliss.

This classic treat combines sweet banana split sundae magic with creamy vanilla ice cream and luscious toppings.

Chocolate drizzles cascade over ripe banana slices, creating a dessert that sparks joy with every spoonful.

Layers of rich flavors and textures dance together in a delightful symphony of sweetness.

Fresh ingredients and simple techniques make this sundae a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Whip up this indulgent dessert and watch smiles spread faster than the melting ice cream.

Fun Serving Ideas For Banana Split Sundae

  • Festive Family Dessert Night: Create a fun banana split bar where everyone assembles their own sundae with different ice cream flavors and toppings.
  • Sweet Summer Celebration: Perfect for backyard parties, serve these colorful sundaes as a refreshing dessert that delights both kids and adults with its vibrant presentation.
  • Instagram-Worthy Treat: Arrange the sundae carefully to showcase beautiful layers, contrasting colors, and elegant toppings that make for a stunning social media photo opportunity.
  • Nostalgic Diner Experience: Recreate classic American dessert parlor vibes by serving the banana split on a traditional long dish with retro maraschino cherries and colorful sprinkles.

How To Store Banana Split Sundae Toppings

  • Chilling Strategy: Keep banana split ingredients cold by storing ice cream in the freezer's main compartment, not the door, to maintain consistent temperature and prevent texture changes.
  • Banana Preservation: Store unpeeled bananas at room temperature until ripe, then refrigerate to slow down ripening process, which helps maintain ideal texture for your sundae.
  • Smart Preparation: Prepare toppings like chopped nuts, sauces, and whipped cream in advance and store in sealed containers in the refrigerator for quick assembly and less kitchen stress.
  • Quick Serving Tip: Assemble banana split just before serving to prevent ice cream from melting and ensure each bite remains perfectly chilled and visually appealing.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 5 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 3

What Goes Into Banana Split Sundae

For Fruity Base:
  • Banana: Provides the classic split base, choose ripe but firm bananas with minimal bruising for best texture and flavor.
For Ice Cream Flavors:
  • Vanilla Ice Cream, Chocolate Ice Cream, Strawberry Ice Cream: Creates traditional flavor layers, select high-quality premium ice cream with rich, authentic taste for maximum indulgence.
For Saucy Drizzles:
  • Chocolate Syrup, Strawberry Sauce, Pineapple Sauce: Adds vibrant flavor complexity and moisture, look for sauces with natural ingredients and balanced sweetness.
For Creamy Topping:
  • Whipped Cream: Delivers luxurious cloudlike texture, choose fresh whipped cream or stabilized version for best presentation.
For Decorative Elements:
  • Chopped Nuts, Sprinkles, Maraschino Cherries: Provides delightful crunch, color, and traditional sundae finishing touch, select fresh nuts and bright, colorful sprinkles for visual appeal.

Tools To Build Banana Split Sundae

  • Long dessert dish or bowl: Essential for creating the classic banana split presentation.
  • Sharp knife: Perfect for slicing banana cleanly and precisely.
  • Ice cream scoop: Creates perfectly rounded ice cream scoops for a professional look.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps drizzle sauces evenly over ice cream.
  • Spoon: Needed for eating and serving the sundae.
  • Optional: Small bowls for holding toppings like nuts and sprinkles.

Easy Steps To Make Banana Split Sundae

  • Slice the Banana

Split a ripe banana lengthwise and arrange the halves inside a long dessert dish, creating a cozy cradle for the upcoming sweet masterpiece.

  • Scoop the Ice Cream

Nestle three vibrant scoops of ice cream between the banana halves – classic vanilla in the center flanked by rich chocolate and fruity strawberry.

  • Drench in Deliciousness

Lavish each ice cream scoop with its signature sauce – chocolate cascading over chocolate, strawberry dripping onto strawberry, and pineapple adorning vanilla.

  • Crown with Extras

Top each creamy mountain with fluffy whipped cream clouds, scatter a sprinkle of crunchy nuts, and perch a bright maraschino cherry on each whipped cream peak.

  • Serve and Savor

Grab a long spoon and dive into this classic dessert, letting the symphony of flavors dance across your taste buds. Enjoy immediately while everything is perfectly chilled and decadent.

Tips To Make A Banana Split Sundae Better

  • Perfect Texture Tip: Slightly freeze bananas for 10-15 minutes before slicing to get clean, precise cuts without mashing or bruising the fruit.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prep all toppings and slice bananas in advance, storing components separately in the refrigerator to assemble quickly when dessert time arrives.
  • Diet-Friendly Swap: Replace traditional ice cream with dairy-free alternatives like coconut or almond milk ice cream for a vegan-friendly version that's equally delicious and creamy.
  • Nutty Nutrition Boost: Experiment with different nut toppings like toasted almonds, pecans, or pistachios to add extra crunch and nutritional value to your sundae.
  • Kid-Friendly Creativity: Let children help decorate their own banana split by offering multiple sauce and topping options, turning dessert into a fun, interactive experience.
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Creamy Banana Split Sundae Recipe

Creamy Banana Split Sundae Recipe


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4.5 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Crafting a classic banana split sundae rewards dessert enthusiasts with nostalgic American ice cream parlor magic. Creamy vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry scoops nestled between ripe banana halves create a delightful sweet finale you’ll savor to the last spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 scoops ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry)
  • 1 ripe banana
  • 2 tbsps (30 milliliters/ml) chocolate syrup
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) strawberry sauce
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) pineapple sauce
  • ΒΌ cup (60 ml) whipped cream
  • 2 tbsps (30 grams/g) chopped nuts (peanuts, walnuts, or almonds)
  • 23 maraschino cherries
  • 1 tbsp (15 g) sprinkles or mini chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Plating Preparation: Arrange banana halves symmetrically along a chilled serving platter, creating a stable foundation for the classic banana split.
  2. Ice Cream Arrangement: Strategically layer vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream scoops between banana segments, establishing a harmonious color progression.
  3. Sauce Embellishment: Drizzle complementary sauces over each ice cream flavor – chocolate syrup on chocolate, strawberry sauce on strawberry, and pineapple sauce cascading over vanilla.
  4. Cream and Nut Adornment: Pipe billowing whipped cream peaks atop each scoop, then generously sprinkle finely chopped nuts across the entire dessert, allowing them to cascade over the layers.
  5. Final Garnish: Crown each whipped cream summit with a glossy maraschino cherry, creating a classic visual punctuation that elevates the dessert’s elegance.
  6. Serving Recommendation: Serve immediately to preserve optimal temperature and textural integrity, providing guests with a long-handled spoon for an immersive culinary experience.

Notes

  • Chill the Platter: Use a cold serving dish to keep ice cream from melting quickly and maintain the perfect dessert structure.
  • Symmetry Matters: Arrange banana halves precisely parallel to create a visually appealing and balanced foundation for the sundae.
  • Sauce Pairing Strategy: Match specific sauces with corresponding ice cream flavors to enhance overall taste complexity and depth.
  • Serve Swiftly: Present the banana split immediately after assembly to preserve ideal temperature, texture, and presentation quality.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 60 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 70 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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